I don't know what did it but I'm hitting the road - I was going to happen anyway - but I feel compelled now. I don't know how I would feel if I owned a television! Maybe I need to get rid of the radio also. So, I'm thinking I would be happier if I just learned to stick my head in the sand.
I don't know what the tipping point was:
The attorney generals "scandal"
The negative Iraq war news/politcs and the implications for the future
The stock market being down
The impending mortgage collaspe
The impending housing bubble burst
The starting of the 2008 presidential election process
The lack of research, perspective depth, or insights in the news media
Chiquita Bannas Fined $25M For Terror Ties
I knew it was time when I researched the causes of mortality after listening to another negative story about Iraq - I was looking for perspective; I think.
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http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0779147.html
Top 20 Causes of Mortality Throughout the World
All countries
Rank Cause Total deaths (in thousands) % of total
1. Ischaemic heart disease 7,208 12.6%
2. Cerebrovascular disease 5,509 9.7
3. Lower respiratory infections 3,884 6.8
4. HIV/AIDS 2,777 4.9
5. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 2,748 4.8
6. Diarrheal diseases 1,798 3.2
7. Tuberculosis 1,566 2.7
8. Malaria 1,272 2.2
9. Cancer of trachea/bronchus/lung 1,243 2.2
10. Road traffic accidents 1,192 2.1%
11. Childhood Diseases 1,124 2.0
12. Other unintentional injuries 923 1.6
13. Hypertensive heart disease 911 1.6
14. Self-inflicted 873 1.5
15. Stomach cancer 850 1.5
16. Cirrhosis of the liver 786 1.4
17. Nephritis/nephrosis 677 1.2
18. Colon/rectum cancer 622 1.1
19. Liver cancer 618 1.1
20. Measles 611 1.1
Source: The World Health Report, 2003, The World Health Organization (WHO).